Boys basketball coaching carousel updates

The boys basketball season continues to disappear in the rearview mirror, but the coaching carousel has no signs of slowing down.

* Red Mountain has selected a boys basketball coach, but has not yet made the name public. The overwhelming favorite is Desert Mountain coach Todd Fazio, who has a title-caliber group returning next season for the Wolves but a tenuous teaching position. Fazio has been dealing with the teaching uncertainty for years, according to sources, and prefers more stability – even if it means zapping his chance at leading Desert Mountain to next year’s title. If and when the Fazio hire becomes official, it could alter Desert Mountain’s roster composition. Dane Kuiper, a standout in Alaska who is moving to the Valley, was widely expected to join the Wolves, but the presumed exit of Fazio makes that much less likely. An opposing coach also thinks current Desert Mountain players may not return next season if Fazio leaves.

* If the Desert Mountain job does open, former Tempe coach Paul Long could be the leading candidate, according to sources. He previously coached at Horizon, and this would seem to be a better fit for him than the one year with the Buffaloes. Former Boulder Creek coach Randy Walker was mentioned as another possible replacement, but he will be the new coach at Desert Edge, according to sources.

* Skyline has also selected a coach, with athletic director Greg Schultz saying in an email that “our candidate is currently a boys basketball head coach in the Valley.” The name will be officially released following board approval on March 26, with Fountain Hills coach Matthew Johnson a prime candidate to take over for Michael Wirth, who resigned after the season and is now at Campo Verde.

* Another high-profile resignation is expected early next week, which could once again cause a domino effect on at least one other East Valley program. Stay tuned for that one.